US11589524B2 - Aqueous grow chamber recirculating nutrient control system and sensor calibration - Google Patents
Aqueous grow chamber recirculating nutrient control system and sensor calibration Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US11589524B2 US11589524B2 US17/062,363 US202017062363A US11589524B2 US 11589524 B2 US11589524 B2 US 11589524B2 US 202017062363 A US202017062363 A US 202017062363A US 11589524 B2 US11589524 B2 US 11589524B2
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- chamber
- solution
- levels
- ion
- liquid solution
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active, expires
Links
- 235000015097 nutrients Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 81
- 230000003134 recirculating effect Effects 0.000 title claims description 4
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 claims description 74
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 61
- 239000012088 reference solution Substances 0.000 claims description 57
- 239000006193 liquid solution Substances 0.000 claims description 48
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 claims description 31
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000012010 growth Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000011088 calibration curve Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 abstract description 23
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000003595 mist Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000005070 sampling Methods 0.000 description 6
- 150000001768 cations Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chlorine atom Chemical compound [Cl] ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000460 chlorine Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052801 chlorine Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008635 plant growth Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000011012 sanitization Methods 0.000 description 3
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000001934 delay Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011176 pooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011591 potassium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium Chemical compound [Ca] OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241001522296 Erithacus rubecula Species 0.000 description 1
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 102000004310 Ion Channels Human genes 0.000 description 1
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- CBENFWSGALASAD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ozone Chemical compound [O-][O+]=O CBENFWSGALASAD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011575 calcium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052791 calcium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004720 fertilization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002262 irrigation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003973 irrigation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002244 precipitate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G27/00—Self-acting watering devices, e.g. for flower-pots
- A01G27/003—Controls for self-acting watering devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
- A01G2031/006—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics with means for recycling the nutritive solution
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
- Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
- Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to fertilization and irrigation (“fertigation”) systems for crops, and more particularly to fertigation systems for closed-loop aqueous (hydroponic or aeroponic) grown crops and calibration of sensors used in such systems.
- fertigation fertilization and irrigation
- Aqueously grown crops generally maintain roots of the crops in an aqueous rich environment, with the roots either in a liquid solution or a mist environment.
- hydroponically grown crops generally maintain roots of the crops in a liquid solution of water and nutrients.
- aeroponically grown crops generally maintain roots of the crops in an aqueous mist environment, with the mist formed using a liquid solution, and the mist providing water and nutrients for plant growth.
- Maintaining an appropriate level of nutrients in the liquid solution may be difficult particularly for a closed-loop system, in which liquid solution injected into a grow chamber is reused in a recirculating manner.
- the crops may intake different amounts of nutrients from the solution, and this may change over time.
- a large quantity of aqueous solution generally may be present about the crop roots, particularly for hydroponic systems, forming a relatively large reservoir of solution. Injecting nutrients into the solution may result in variations in concentration of the nutrients within the reservoir, and there may be significant delays or time lags between time of injection of the nutrients and dispersal of the nutrients within the reservoir. These delays or time lags may make sampling of the solution for nutrients prone to errors, and increase difficulties in accurate sampling of nutrient levels.
- sensors used for the sampling of the solution may benefit from periodic recalibration. Recalibration of sensors, however, may be a relatively lengthy process, increasing costs and also possibly resulting in excessive time in which sampling is not performed.
- Some aspects of the invention relate to fertigation controls for recirculating aqueous crop growing systems. Some aspects of the invention relate to calibration of sensors for fertigation systems, for example for aqueously (hydroponically or aeroponically) grown plants. Some aspects of the invention relate to fertigation systems, for example for hydroponically grown plants. Some aspects of the invention relate to fertigation systems, for example for aeroponically grown plants.
- Some embodiments provide a nutrient control system for aquaponically grown plants, comprising: a grow chamber for aquaponically growing plants; a liquid solution line for providing liquid solution to the aquaponically growing plants; a plurality of nutrient tanks containing nutrients coupled to the liquid solution line; a plurality of reference solution tanks containing reference solutions; a chamber selectively coupled to the liquid solution line and to the reference solution tanks; a plurality of sensors for sensing ion levels in solution in the chamber; a controller configured to control addition of the nutrients to the liquid solution based on sensed ion levels in solution in the chamber, configured to perform sensor calibration based on sensed ion levels in solution in the chamber, and to selectively couple the chamber to the liquid solution line or to the reference solution tanks; and a plurality of isolation amplifiers coupling the plurality of sensors and the controller.
- Some embodiments provide a method for control of nutrients provided to aquaponically grown crops, comprising: providing a liquid solution containing nutrients to an aeroponic grow chamber; sensing levels of a plurality of ions in the liquid solution containing nutrients using a plurality of sensing devices having portions immersed in a single chamber, the sensing devices coupled to a controller by isolation amplifiers; determining, by the controller, that at least one of the sensing devices indicates a selected ion level below a predetermined selected ion level; responsive to the determination that at least one of the sensing devices indicates the selected ion level below the predetermined selected ion level, commanding, by the controller, an increase in a selected nutrient; responsive to the command by the controller to increase the selected nutrient, increasing a quantity of the selected nutrient in the liquid solution containing nutrients; providing a plurality of reference solutions to the single chamber, each of the plurality of reference solutions being provided to the single chamber at different times; sensing levels of the plurality of ions in the reference solutions using the plurality of
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an agricultural system in accordance with aspects of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process for controlling nutrient levels in liquid provided to a grow chamber.
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram of components associated with sensing of nutrients in liquid solution provided to a grow chamber in accordance with some embodiments.
- FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a process for performing sensor calibration in accordance with aspects of the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a top view of a representation of an embodiment of a flow chamber in accordance with aspects of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a representation of an embodiment of a flow chamber.
- FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating portions of an example embodiment of circuitry utilized in measurement of ions or cations, reflecting nutrient levels in the liquid solution.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an agricultural system in accordance with aspects of the invention.
- the agricultural system is an aeroponics system.
- the system includes a grow chamber 111 .
- Crops are grown in the grow chamber.
- individual plants are sprouted outside of the grow chamber, and then grown from sprouts to maturity in the grow chamber.
- the grow chamber provides for aquaponic growth of the crops.
- the grow chamber provides for hydroponic growth of plants.
- the chamber provides for aeroponic growth of plants.
- the grow chamber includes one or more vertical walls for mounting of plants for aeroponic growth, with an aqueous mist provided within the grow chamber, for example by way of misting nozzles.
- grow chamber is as discussed in U.S.
- the grow chamber receives a liquid solution.
- roots of the crops are immersed in the liquid solution.
- the liquid solution is used to generate a mist, with the mist generally enveloping roots of the plants.
- the liquid solution generally includes water and plant nutrients.
- Liquid from the grow chamber, which if a mist precipitates, liquid collects in a sump 113 .
- the sump may be at or towards a bottom of the grow chamber, although the sump may be outside of the grow chamber, and may be a separate tank, as illustrated in FIG. 1 for clarity.
- Liquid from the sump is passed to a cleaning or sanitization unit 115 .
- the sanitization unit cleans or sterilizes the liquid using one or more of a method using one or more chemicals, for example chlorine, a method using ultraviolet light, a method using filters, and/or a method using ozone.
- the cleaned or sanitized liquid is combined with nutrients in a mix tank 119 .
- the mix tank allows for mixing of the liquid and the nutrients.
- the mix tank holds less than 50 gallons of liquid.
- the mix tank holds less than 40 gallons of liquid.
- the mix tank holds approximately 4 gallons of liquid.
- a mixer is used in place of the mix tank, and in some embodiments the mixer is a confluence of two pipes, and in some embodiments the mixer is a mixing valve.
- the nutrients which may also be in aqueous form, are provided by pumps 125 a - c .
- Each of the pumps 125 a - c receives nutrients from a separate corresponding nutrient tank 117 a - c , respectively, with each of the nutrient tanks generally containing different nutrients, or mixtures of nutrients.
- the liquid with added nutrients is provided to the grow chamber.
- Sensors 121 sense one or more aspects of the liquid provided to the grow chamber.
- the sensors In some embodiments the sensor may sense, for example, one or more of the pH of the liquid, potassium content of the liquid, magnesium content of the liquid, or other constituents of the liquid.
- Levels of nutrients in the liquid provided to the grow chamber are related to the amount of nutrients provided by the pumps.
- the pumps, and therefore the amount of added nutrients, are controlled by a controller 123 .
- the controller controls the pumps, at least in part, based on information from the sensors 121 .
- the controller comprises at least one processor, which may operate in accordance with program instructions.
- the controller comprises a personal computer.
- the controller comprises circuitry including a digital signal processor.
- FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process for controlling nutrient levels in liquid provided to a grow chamber.
- the grow chamber is a chamber for aeroponically growing plants, for example crops.
- the nutrients include some or all of potassium, calcium, sodium, chlorine and/or other elements, which may be in ionic form or in combination with various elements.
- the process is performed by the system of FIG. 1 , or parts of the system of FIG. 1 .
- the process is performed by at least one processor.
- the processor is coupled, for example by electrical and/or electronic circuitry, to pumps and/or chemical and/or electrochemical sensors.
- the process reads a value from a sensor.
- the sensor may be, for example, a sensor as in the system of FIG. 1 , with the sensor sensing an aspect of liquid provided to a grow chamber.
- the sensor is one of a plurality of sensors.
- the sensor may be one of four sensors, in some embodiments the sensor may be one of eight sensors, or, more generally, the sensor may be one of n sensors, n being an integer greater than one.
- the sensor is an ion channel sensor.
- the sensor is an ion selective electrode sensor.
- at least some of the plurality of sensors are ion selective electrode sensors.
- all of the plurality of sensors are ion selective electrode sensors.
- the process determines if the value read from the sensor is less than a reference value.
- the reference value is indicative of a desired concentration of an ion in the liquid provided to the grow chamber.
- the reference value is a programmable value, and may be changed from time to time.
- the process determines if the value read from the reference value is greater than the reference plus a tolerance range, or if the value read from the sensor is less than the reference value minus a tolerance range. In other words, in some embodiments, and in some cases most embodiments, the process determines if the value read from the sensor indicates whether the ion concentration in the liquid is above or below an acceptable ion concentration range.
- the process proceeds to block 214 . If the reference value is less than the value read from the sensor, or in some embodiments if the value read from the sensor indicates a concentration above the acceptable ion concentration range, the process proceeds to block 215 .
- the process commands an increase in flow of a nutrient n, n being a nutrient corresponding to the ion concentration measured by the sensor n.
- the process commands a pump to increase pumping of the nutrient.
- the process commands the pump to pump nutrient at an increased flow rate.
- the process commands a pump to pump nutrient for a specified period of time, and in some embodiments at a specified flow rate.
- the process commands a decrease in flow of a nutrient n, n being a nutrient corresponding to the ion concentration measured by the sensor n.
- the process commands a pump to decrease pumping of the nutrient.
- the process commands the pump to pump nutrient at a decreased flow rate.
- the process commands a pump to pump nutrient for a specified period of time, and in some embodiments at a specified flow rate.
- the process determines if there are more sensors to process. If so, the process proceeds to block 217 and increments n, with the process thereafter beginning processing of the next sensor with operations of block 211 and so on. Otherwise the process returns.
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram of components associated with sensing of nutrients in liquid solution provided to a grow chamber in accordance with some embodiments.
- the components are associated with the sensors of the system of FIG. 1 .
- a flow chamber 311 includes a plurality of sensors for sensing nutrients in the liquid solution.
- liquid solution is provided to the grow chamber and nutrients in the liquid solution are sensed.
- a main line provides liquid solution for provision to the grow chamber.
- the liquid solution passes through a first valve 305 and a second valve 313 to the flow chamber, in which levels of the nutrients are sensed by the sensors.
- the liquid solution passes through valves 315 and 307 and proceeds to the grow chamber.
- the configuration for the valves 305 , 307 , 313 , and 315 , and the other valves of the embodiment of FIG. 3 are exemplary only. In various embodiments different configurations of valves, in layout, type, and/or number, may be used.
- valves 305 and 307 are operated, with these and other valves controlled for example by the controller of FIG. 1 , such that the liquid solution bypasses the flow chamber. With the liquid solution bypassing the flow chamber, the liquid solution instead flows from the main line into a bypass line connecting valves 305 and 307 .
- a bypass line may not be used, with the flow chamber instead receiving a portion of the flow selectively provided to the flow chamber, and in other embodiments flow of liquid to the grow chamber may be interrupted during calibration.
- valve 313 is operated such that the flow chamber receives cleansing solution or reference solutions from cleansing solution tank 319 or reference solution tanks 321 a - n , respectively.
- the solution after passage through the flow chamber, is directed to a return line by valve 315 .
- the return line returns the solution to the tanks from which it came, in some embodiments, or to a waste container, in other embodiments, or a combination of the two, for example on a tank-by-tank basis.
- each of the reference solution tanks 321 a - n holds a different reference solution.
- each reference solution tank holds a reference solution with a different single nutrient of interest.
- the reference solution tanks may be grouped into subsets, with each subset having a different single nutrient of interest, but with each tank in a subset having a different level of that nutrient.
- each reference solution tank may hold a solution with a plurality of nutrients of interest, with nutrient levels varying across reference tanks.
- a pump is associated with each of the tanks, with a cleansing solution pump 323 providing cleansing solution from the cleansing solution tank and reference solution pumps 325 a - n providing reference solution from reference solution tanks 321 a - n .
- the pumps may be controlled by a controller, for example the controller of the system of FIG. 1 .
- Solution from the tanks selectively, on a tank by tank basis, flows through valves, for example valves 317 , 318 connecting lines from the pumps to the valve 313 , which is coupled to an inlet of the flow chamber 311 .
- FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a process for performing sensor calibration in accordance with aspects of the invention.
- the process is performed using the components of FIG. 3 .
- the process is performed by the system of FIG. 1 , for example using the components of FIG. 3 .
- the controller of FIG. 1 generates commands to perform the operations of the process of FIG. 4 .
- the process closes a connection from a main line to the sensors.
- the main line for example, may carry a liquid solution intended to be provided to a grow chamber.
- the connection from the main line is closed by way of operating a valve.
- the process flushes a flow chamber used for the sensors.
- the process flushes the flow chamber by opening valves allowing fluid present in the flow chamber to exit the flow chamber.
- the process flushes the flow chamber by passing a cleansing solution through the flow chamber.
- the cleansing solution is water.
- the cleansing solution is an aqueous solution containing one or more of a detergent, chlorine, or some other cleansing solution.
- the cleansing solution is a reference solution, for example having a known level or levels of particular nutrients.
- the reference solution for example, may be a reference solution known to be a next reference solution for use during the calibration process.
- the process loads the flow chamber with a reference solution.
- the reference solution is one of a plurality of reference solutions.
- n reference solutions there may be n reference solutions, n an integer greater than 1, and the loaded reference solution may be considered a reference solution k, k being an integer between 1 and n, inclusive.
- the reference solution is an aqueous solution with a predetermined level of a nutrient.
- a plurality of the reference solutions each include a different predetermined level of the nutrient.
- a plurality of the reference solutions each include different predetermined levels of a plurality of nutrients.
- the process samples the reference solution in the flow chamber.
- the sampling is performed using one or more ion sensitive electrodes.
- the process samples the reference solution using an ion sensitive electrode for a particular ion.
- the process samples the reference solution using the ion sensitive electrode for the particular ion for a plurality of reference solutions, with in some embodiments ion sensitive electrodes for different particular ions used for different subsets of reference solutions.
- a plurality of ion sensitive electrodes, each for different particular ions are used for some or all of the reference solutions.
- the process determines if there are more reference solutions to be used. If so, the process returns to block 411 , flushing the flow chamber and commencing sampling using another reference solution.
- the process generates curves relating sensor output to nutrient levels for each of the sensors.
- the process uses at least three sensor readings for different ion levels, and generates a curve of ion concentration vs. sensor readings for each ion sensed by a sensor.
- the curve has a constant slope, in some embodiments the curve has a second order slope, and in some embodiments the curve has piecewise linear slopes.
- FIG. 5 is a top view of a representation of an embodiment of a flow chamber in accordance with aspects of the invention.
- the flow chamber of FIG. 5 may be used as the flow chamber of FIG. 3 .
- the flow chamber includes a generally circular upper surface 511 .
- An inlet port 513 is present on the upper surface, approximately at a center of the upper surface in the embodiment of FIG. 5 .
- a plurality of ion sensitive electrodes 515 a - h extend through the upper surface and into the flow chamber.
- the embodiments of FIG. 5 includes 8 ion sensitive electrodes, the number of ion sensitive electrodes may differ in different embodiments.
- each of the ion sensitive electrodes are for sensing levels of different ions in a solution. In some embodiments there may be redundancy for some or all of the ions, and some of the ion sensitive electrodes may be for the same ion.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a representation of an embodiment of a flow chamber, for example along the section VI-VI of the embodiment of FIG. 5 .
- An inlet port 611 on a top of the flow chamber provides for passage of fluid into the flow chamber.
- a corresponding outlet port 613 is on a bottom of the flow chamber.
- a chamber 621 allows for pooling of the fluid within the flow chamber. In some embodiments pooling of the fluid is encouraged by having a passage to the outlet port of slightly reduced diameter, as compared to a passage from the inlet port.
- a plurality of ion sensitive electrode devices are inserted through a top of the flow chamber, with ends protruding into the chamber 621 . Visible in FIG. 6 are two such devices.
- a first device includes a cylinder 617 a having a first ion sensitive electrode accessible to the fluid by way of a first membrane 617 b , with electrical connections available at a top 617 c of the cylinder 617 a .
- a second device includes a cylinder 619 a having a second ion sensitive electrode accessible to the fluid by way of a second membrane 619 b , with electrical connections available at a top 619 c of the cylinder 619 a .
- the first membrane and the second membrane are permeable by different ions or cations, such that the first ion sensitive electrode effectively measures a different ion or cation than the second ion sensitive electrode.
- FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating portions of an example embodiment of circuitry utilized in measurement of ions or cations, reflecting nutrient levels in the liquid solution.
- the circuitry of FIG. 7 may be present, for example, in the system of FIG. 1 , or a system similar to the system of FIG. 1 .
- a plurality of ion sensitive electrodes 711 a - n are each coupled to corresponding isolation amplifiers 713 a - n .
- the isolation amplifiers are transformer-isolated isolated amplifiers.
- Outputs of the isolation amplifiers are provided to a multiplexer, which selectively selects one of its inputs and provides that input to the multiplexer output.
- the multiplexer is operated in a time-based round robin manner, with successive inputs successively provided to the output.
- the output is provided to control circuitry.
- the control circuitry may include an analog-to-digital controller (ADC), for example as may be available in a digital signal processor (DSP), in other embodiments the ADC may be separately provided.
- ADC analog-to-digital controller
- DSP digital signal processor
Abstract
Description
Claims (19)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/062,363 US11589524B2 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2020-10-02 | Aqueous grow chamber recirculating nutrient control system and sensor calibration |
US18/114,560 US20230200318A1 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2023-02-27 | Aqueous grow chamber recirculating nutrient control system and sensor calibration |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201762536372P | 2017-07-24 | 2017-07-24 | |
US16/044,209 US20190021247A1 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2018-07-24 | Aqueous grow chamber recirculating nutrient control system and sensor calibration |
US17/062,363 US11589524B2 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2020-10-02 | Aqueous grow chamber recirculating nutrient control system and sensor calibration |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/044,209 Continuation US20190021247A1 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2018-07-24 | Aqueous grow chamber recirculating nutrient control system and sensor calibration |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/114,560 Continuation US20230200318A1 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2023-02-27 | Aqueous grow chamber recirculating nutrient control system and sensor calibration |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210227762A1 US20210227762A1 (en) | 2021-07-29 |
US11589524B2 true US11589524B2 (en) | 2023-02-28 |
Family
ID=65014046
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/044,209 Abandoned US20190021247A1 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2018-07-24 | Aqueous grow chamber recirculating nutrient control system and sensor calibration |
US17/062,363 Active 2039-03-19 US11589524B2 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2020-10-02 | Aqueous grow chamber recirculating nutrient control system and sensor calibration |
US18/114,560 Pending US20230200318A1 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2023-02-27 | Aqueous grow chamber recirculating nutrient control system and sensor calibration |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/044,209 Abandoned US20190021247A1 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2018-07-24 | Aqueous grow chamber recirculating nutrient control system and sensor calibration |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/114,560 Pending US20230200318A1 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2023-02-27 | Aqueous grow chamber recirculating nutrient control system and sensor calibration |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US20190021247A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3657935A4 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019023261A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20240008433A1 (en) * | 2022-07-07 | 2024-01-11 | Chin Wen Wu | Aeroponic system with uninterrupted operation and energy saving |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20230066266A1 (en) * | 2021-08-27 | 2023-03-02 | Geoffrey C. Landis | Aqueous grow nutrient control system and calibration |
Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1558581A (en) | 1975-09-17 | 1980-01-03 | Nissmo J A | Method of growing plants without soil |
US5545303A (en) * | 1993-03-17 | 1996-08-13 | Innocom (I.T.) B.V. | System for analyzing the concentration of a number of different ions in a watery solution |
US5598663A (en) | 1989-12-12 | 1997-02-04 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Hydroponic nutrient solution control system |
CN2807765Y (en) | 2005-06-24 | 2006-08-23 | 中国科学技术大学 | Nutrient solution automatic circulating device |
US20080115245A1 (en) * | 2006-11-09 | 2008-05-15 | Canyon Biotechnology Co. Ltd. | Low nitrate vegetable and its cultivation system and method |
CN101422124A (en) | 2008-12-12 | 2009-05-06 | 河北工业大学 | Greenhouse intelligent drip-irrigation device |
US20100286833A1 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2010-11-11 | Fw Enviro, Llc | Computer Controlled Fertigation System And Method |
CN102100172A (en) | 2009-12-16 | 2011-06-22 | 高志诚 | Hydroponics device |
US20140165713A1 (en) | 2011-03-04 | 2014-06-19 | Puresense Environmental Inc. | Systems, devices, and methods for environmental monitoring in agriculture |
CN103960114A (en) | 2014-04-30 | 2014-08-06 | 深圳慧盈生态科技有限公司 | Intelligent plant cultivation device |
US20160050862A1 (en) | 2011-10-26 | 2016-02-25 | Got Produce? Franchising, Inc. | Control system for a hydroponic greenhouse growing environment |
CA2985824A1 (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2016-11-17 | Biocarb Pty Ltd | Nutrient system |
CN205794384U (en) | 2016-07-07 | 2016-12-14 | 江苏工程职业技术学院 | A kind of water culture case |
US20170035002A1 (en) | 2015-08-09 | 2017-02-09 | Craig Ellins | Apparatus for optimizing and enhancing plant growth, development and performance |
US20180132434A1 (en) * | 2016-11-15 | 2018-05-17 | Land Green And Technology Co., Ltd. | Method and system for capable of selecting optimal plant cultivation method |
US10436749B2 (en) | 2016-07-15 | 2019-10-08 | Ketos Inc. | Automated smart water quality monitor and analyzer and associated methods |
US10928229B2 (en) | 2016-05-24 | 2021-02-23 | Ketos Inc. | Self-charging water usage monitor, systems, and methods |
-
2018
- 2018-07-24 EP EP18837766.7A patent/EP3657935A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2018-07-24 US US16/044,209 patent/US20190021247A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2018-07-24 WO PCT/US2018/043532 patent/WO2019023261A2/en unknown
-
2020
- 2020-10-02 US US17/062,363 patent/US11589524B2/en active Active
-
2023
- 2023-02-27 US US18/114,560 patent/US20230200318A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1558581A (en) | 1975-09-17 | 1980-01-03 | Nissmo J A | Method of growing plants without soil |
US5598663A (en) | 1989-12-12 | 1997-02-04 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Hydroponic nutrient solution control system |
US5545303A (en) * | 1993-03-17 | 1996-08-13 | Innocom (I.T.) B.V. | System for analyzing the concentration of a number of different ions in a watery solution |
US20100286833A1 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2010-11-11 | Fw Enviro, Llc | Computer Controlled Fertigation System And Method |
CN2807765Y (en) | 2005-06-24 | 2006-08-23 | 中国科学技术大学 | Nutrient solution automatic circulating device |
US20080115245A1 (en) * | 2006-11-09 | 2008-05-15 | Canyon Biotechnology Co. Ltd. | Low nitrate vegetable and its cultivation system and method |
CN101422124A (en) | 2008-12-12 | 2009-05-06 | 河北工业大学 | Greenhouse intelligent drip-irrigation device |
CN102100172A (en) | 2009-12-16 | 2011-06-22 | 高志诚 | Hydroponics device |
US20140165713A1 (en) | 2011-03-04 | 2014-06-19 | Puresense Environmental Inc. | Systems, devices, and methods for environmental monitoring in agriculture |
US20160050862A1 (en) | 2011-10-26 | 2016-02-25 | Got Produce? Franchising, Inc. | Control system for a hydroponic greenhouse growing environment |
CN103960114A (en) | 2014-04-30 | 2014-08-06 | 深圳慧盈生态科技有限公司 | Intelligent plant cultivation device |
CA2985824A1 (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2016-11-17 | Biocarb Pty Ltd | Nutrient system |
US20170035002A1 (en) | 2015-08-09 | 2017-02-09 | Craig Ellins | Apparatus for optimizing and enhancing plant growth, development and performance |
US10928229B2 (en) | 2016-05-24 | 2021-02-23 | Ketos Inc. | Self-charging water usage monitor, systems, and methods |
CN205794384U (en) | 2016-07-07 | 2016-12-14 | 江苏工程职业技术学院 | A kind of water culture case |
US10436749B2 (en) | 2016-07-15 | 2019-10-08 | Ketos Inc. | Automated smart water quality monitor and analyzer and associated methods |
US20180132434A1 (en) * | 2016-11-15 | 2018-05-17 | Land Green And Technology Co., Ltd. | Method and system for capable of selecting optimal plant cultivation method |
Non-Patent Citations (9)
Title |
---|
Compact Multi-Channel, Multi-Parameter Monitoring Systems for pH, ORP, Ions, D.O., http://www.eainstruments.com/Products/MCC/MCC.htm, May 2015. |
Electro Analytical Instruments, http://ww.eainstruments.com/?LMCL=aEnd4r, Jan. 2017. |
ELIT Brand Electrochemical Sensors and Computer-based Instrumentation, http://www.nico2000.net/, Oct. 10, 2019. |
Extended European Search Report (EESR) on related European Application No. 18837766.7 from the European Patent Office (EPO) dated Mar. 22, 2021. |
International Search Reporton related PCT Application No. PCT/US2018/043532 from International Searching Authority (KIPO) dated Apr. 29, 2019. |
Price System specification for Compact Multi-Channel, Multi-Parameter Monitoring Systems, EAI Electro Analytical Instruments, http://www.eainstruments.com/Products/MCC/MCC-spec.htm#Hardware, May 2015. |
U.S. Appl. No. 16/044,209, filed Jul. 24, 2018, Martin Boerema, Morris Gasmer, Geoffrey C. Landis, US 2019-0021247 A1, Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 2, 2020; Aug. 24, 2020. |
Van Os et al., Technical Equipment in Soilless Production Systems, Soilless Culture: Theory and Practice, 2008, pp. 157-207. |
Written Opinion on related PCT Application No. PCT/US2018/043532 from International Searching Authority (KIPO) dated Apr. 29, 2019. |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20240008433A1 (en) * | 2022-07-07 | 2024-01-11 | Chin Wen Wu | Aeroponic system with uninterrupted operation and energy saving |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20230200318A1 (en) | 2023-06-29 |
WO2019023261A2 (en) | 2019-01-31 |
EP3657935A2 (en) | 2020-06-03 |
US20190021247A1 (en) | 2019-01-24 |
WO2019023261A3 (en) | 2019-06-13 |
US20210227762A1 (en) | 2021-07-29 |
EP3657935A4 (en) | 2021-04-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20230200318A1 (en) | Aqueous grow chamber recirculating nutrient control system and sensor calibration | |
CA1332000C (en) | Computerized fertilizer injector system | |
Gieling et al. | ISE and Chemfet sensors in greenhouse cultivation | |
US8534228B2 (en) | Fish basin arrangement having a central measuring device | |
KR100470453B1 (en) | Automatic Controller of Nutrient Solution for Closed Hydroponics and method thereof | |
JP4974002B2 (en) | Irrigation fertilizer | |
KR102258740B1 (en) | Nutrient solution supply system having multiple mixing tanks | |
KR102062081B1 (en) | Integrated converter for supplying equipment of nutrient solution of cultivation structure | |
KR20080098945A (en) | Automatic drainage controller for closed hydroponics and controlling method for the same | |
Incrocci et al. | Simplified models for the water relations of soilless cultures: what they do or suggest for sustainable water use in intensive horticulture | |
KR102281447B1 (en) | Nutrient supply device for hydroponic cultivation | |
JP5525223B2 (en) | Diluted liquid fertilizer supply method | |
Gieling et al. | Hydrion-line, towards a closed system for water and nutrients: feedback control of water and nutrients in the drain | |
US20230066266A1 (en) | Aqueous grow nutrient control system and calibration | |
EP3944755B1 (en) | System for the automatic preparation and operational treatment of a watering solution in plant cultivation | |
JP2007228801A (en) | Cultivation liquid feeding device | |
KR20190076515A (en) | Nutrient supplying apparatus for controlling nutrient supply based on the nutrient concentration in culture medium | |
Kupers et al. | Diurnal changes in the ion concentration of the supply and return water of a tomato crop grown on rockwool | |
Bodenmiller | Effects of aeration on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) growth in deep water culture aquaponics | |
Gieling et al. | The application of chemo-sensors and bio-sensors for soilless cultures | |
Ardhiansyah et al. | Design And Implementation Of An Automation System For A Nutrition Pump In Hydroponics Using Arduino Uno | |
RU2738476C1 (en) | Mixing unit for drop irrigation | |
Peter | THE THEORY OF CREATING AUTOMATIC AEROPONICS SYSTEM FOR GROWING PLANTS | |
KR102079294B1 (en) | Nutrient supply equipment of greenhouse cultivation crop | |
JP6739709B1 (en) | Aquaponics system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO SMALL (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: SMAL); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LOCAL URBAN VEGETABLES, LLLP, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BOEREMA, MARTIN;GASMER, MORRIS;LANDIS, GEOFFREY C.;REEL/FRAME:055315/0068 Effective date: 20180905 Owner name: LOCAL URBAN VEGETABLES, LLC, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LOCAL URBAN VEGETABLES, LLLP;REEL/FRAME:055315/0103 Effective date: 20200915 Owner name: LOCAL URBAN VEGETABLES, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: CONVERSION;ASSIGNOR:LOCAL URBAN VEGETABLES, LLC;REEL/FRAME:055330/0205 Effective date: 20201230 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: APPLICATION DISPATCHED FROM PREEXAM, NOT YET DOCKETED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PROTERRA AG, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:LOCAL URBAN VEGETABLES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:057893/0224 Effective date: 20210920 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |